I gave a prayer mat to Abdullah, the Muslim man who lives on our compound. This is the same man I gave all my expensive kurtas to; I used to wear them when conducting creative writing workshops in Marawi City for the Embassy.

They are celebrating Eid el'Adha today. Abdullah's family, relatives, and guests are all dressed in Maranao finery--they look elegant, rich, and beautiful. I wanted so much to take photos of them, but I was afraid that they would think me rude.